Thursday, June 21, 2018Republic of Ireland used as bargaining chip by the EU

Following a visit by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to the Republic of Ireland, DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds has said,

“Mr Juncker’s claim that “Ireland is not alone” is false security for the country which would be most severely impacted by a no deal Brexit. If Mr Juncker was really focused on helping Ireland, he would be encouraging the EU to focus on getting a post Brexit trade deal in place.

"The Republic of Ireland is being used a bargaining chip by the EU. This is a selfish interest. The United Kingdom is a crucial market for Republic of Ireland companies especially in the agri-food sector.

"The plan put forward by Mr Juncker and Mr Barnier which would lead to Northern Ireland being cut off from its main market in Great Britain was disgraceful and offensive to unionism in Northern Ireland. Both the Labour Party and the Prime Minister have ruled out such a step.

"Rather than focus on backstop arrangements, Ireland would be better served by a sensible new trade deal which would work for the EU, the United Kingdom and importantly the Republic of Ireland.”